32 ft Transportable Port Security Boat (TPSB)

32 ft Transportable Port Security Boat (TPSB)
PSU 311 patrols patrols Guantanamo Bay DVIDS1128504.jpg A TPSB patrolling Guantanamo Bay
Class overview
Name:	32 ft Transportable Port Security Boat (TPSB)
Builders:	Kvichak Marine Industries
Operators:	United States Coast Guard
Preceded by:	25 ft Transportable Port Security Boat
General characteristics
Displacement:	11,306 lbs
Length:	32'
Beam:	8' 6"
Draft:	24"
Propulsion:	two(2) 225 hp outboard motors
Speed:	40-45 knots
Endurance:	Less than 9 hours
Sensors and processing systems:	Radar and communication systems
Armament:	2 x M2HB .50-caliber machine guns 2 x M240B machine guns Anti-Swimmer grenades Small arms
Armour:	Ballistic panels

Operated by United States Coast Guard Port Security Units (PSUs), which are composed of Reserve and active-duty personnel, the 32 ft Transportable Port Security Boat (also known as 32' TPSB) provides for defense readiness operations in the United States and when PSUs are deployed overseas. It travels at 43-plus knots, and carries up to two .50 caliber M2 Machine Guns and two 7.62mm M240G Machine Guns. There are 52 in operation. The TPSBs perform a variety of missions such has Military Readiness, PWCS (Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security), Maritime Law Enforcement, Defense Operations, and limited Search and Rescue.

Design

The boats are made of aluminum. The design of the fourth-generation TPSB emphasizes crew protection and comfort over previous TPSBs. To achieve improved comfort and survivability, the TPSBs have greater protection due to the use of ballistic panels. Ballistic protection allows the crew to continue to perform their mission even if fired upon. Comforts improvements come in the use of shock mitigating seats, and better stability. The boats can be transported by plane, or by vehicle with a trailer.

See also

• Defender-class boat
• Equipment of the United States Coast Guard